BREAKING: Compañeros: Four Corners Immigrant Resource Center has issued an urgent warning about escalating immigration enforcement in Durango, Colorado. Community reports indicate a significant increase in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity targeting undocumented immigrants over the past few weeks.
Authorities confirm that ICE agents have been particularly active at local construction sites and food businesses, endangering the livelihoods of many hardworking individuals. Enrique Orozco-Perez, co-executive director of Compañeros, emphasized that these actions are impacting individuals with no criminal records, stating, “Employers are telling us that ICE is targeting their sites and going after good, hardworking people who have been here for a long time.”
This alarming rise in enforcement not only threatens immigrant workers but also risks disrupting the entire community. Orozco-Perez warned, “The more ICE disrupts life in this town, the more that will disrupt the rest of the economy.” Local businesses could suffer as they lose essential workers who contribute to tourism and daily operations.
In response to these developments, Compañeros is calling for immediate action from Durango’s elected officials. The organization demands stronger protections for residents, volunteers, and advocates engaged in lawful activities, urging city leaders to clarify policies regarding interactions with federal immigration agents.
The group’s concerns extend to the newly established Immigration Task Force in Durango. Compañeros is requesting transparency in how task force members were selected and how decisions are made. Orozco-Perez expressed frustration over the lack of communication and the exclusion of key stakeholders from the process, stating, “They may have their qualms with me – the executive director – but there’s other folks within our organization that are ready to be in that space and work collaboratively.”
As tensions rise, community members are urged to remain vigilant and supportive. Compañeros is advocating for the safety and rights of all residents, demanding that local leaders affirm the legality of volunteer work and protect against intimidation from federal agents.
This urgent situation highlights the ongoing impact of federal immigration policies on local communities, making it imperative for residents and officials to engage in open dialogue and take decisive action. As developments unfold, Compañeros continues to monitor the situation closely and is prepared to respond to any further escalations.
For more updates on this developing story, stay tuned as we continue to provide live coverage of the situation in Durango.
